CHAPTER 14
As in Iconium, after preaching Christ and many having believed, the apostles were persecuted.
Acts 14:1-6 Now when they entered Iconium, they went into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. So they remained there a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands. But the city was divided, some siding with the Jews and others with the apostles. When there was a violent attempt by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and stone them, they learned of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region, where they continued to proclaim the good news.
“ and fled .” It should be noted here that we ought not to throw ourselves into danger, but if necessary, to flee for the time being, since the leaders of the church have done this, as if deliberately wishing to extend the proclamation, and to increase it rather through persecutions. [CYRIL ON THE 12 MINOR PROPHETS]
Concerning the man born lame at Lystra who was healed by the apostles; because of this they were thought to be gods, and were believed to be mad by the locals; and thereupon Paul was later stoned by the Jewish townspeople.
Acts 14:7-21 And there was a man at Lystra who was lame in his feet, born crippled from his mother's womb, who had never walked. He heard Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began to walk. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices in the Lycaonian language, saying, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men.” They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was before the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and with the crowds was about to offer sacrifice. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out among the people, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, who in past generations allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” And with these words they barely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them. Then Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city; and on the next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. And having preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
“ they tore their clothes .” It is a custom among the Jews, when slanders are uttered against God, to tear their clothes. And indeed Caiaphas, when the Christ was called the Son of God, tore his robe, crying out and saying that he had blasphemed. (see Matt. 26:65) The divine disciples Barnabas and Paul likewise did this, being considered gods there, turning away from what was happening by an inclination of soul, and making signs of mourning. For it was truly mourning, if they were about to be considered gods and to introduce idolatry, which they had come to abolish. [AMMONIUS]